The Sunday Mail
Brighton Zhawi
WHEN Prosper Utseya hit Mitchell Starc for a historic match-winning six, Regis Chakabva instantly heaved his wife Matilda in the stands to celebrate Zimbabwe cricket team’s first ODI win over Australia in 31 years.
This Thursday marks exactly three years since Zimbabwe beat a Michael Clarke-led Australia by three wickets at Harare Sports Club.
A lot has happened since Sunday, August 31, 2014. Chakabva and his wife, who were part of the crowd that witnessed that historic win, welcomed their first baby, Zimbabwe shocked Sri Lanka and Utseya was appointed the Under-19 bowling coach, to mention just three from the lot.
The win, however, still feels sweet! Bowling all-rounder Donald Tiripano recalls Zimbabwe’s only victory of a tri-series that also featured South Africa.
“I didn’t know really what to do since it was my first time (to experience such a feeling). I sat for a moment because I didn’t believe what had happened,” he said.
Former skipper Brendan Taylor recalls it so well, too. “I remember that day so well,” he said. “I remember we bowled very well on a turning wicket and restricted Australia to just over 200.
“I put on a pretty good partnership with Hamilton (Masakadza) and I made 30 odd (runs) quickly and that sort of helped steady the ship a little bit. “Elton batted very well supported by Prosper. Hitting the best one day bowler in the world to finish the game with a maximum was incredible on the part of Prosper.”
Sikandar Raza reckons it will be unfair to forget Elton Chigumbura’s half ton. “Elton’s inning was very crucial and he scored a great 50 in that game. When Pro hit that six I could have been the first one on the park running like a mad kid to congratulate him but someone got in my way.
“Thinking of that day now brings memories and happiness, match celebrations weren’t really overboard as we had another game in two days,” he said.
The main man, Pro or Chirandu as team-mates liked to call Utseya, says hitting the match- winning runs was one of the proudest moments of his life.
“Anxiety and pressure was getting to the fans as we were closing in on a famous win. However, I was very calm knowing the hopes of the country. I am privileged enough to have made the nation proud,” he said.
